Cancer Treatment and Prevention Clinical Trials

 

A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates new treatment options. The goal of a clinical trial is to find a better way to treat cancer. Clinical trials are conducted in a healthcare setting such as a hospital or clinic. 

What is the standard of care treatment?

 

The standard of care is a scientifically proven treatment for a specific cancer. A standard treatment is based on sound scientific finding based on past clinical trials.

 

Why are clinical trials important?

 

Clinical trials help determine if a new treatment option is safe and effective. Today’s clinical trials lead to tomorrow’s standard care.

 

What types of treatments are studied in a clinical trial?

 

Clinical trials study ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and control cancer. The studies may include new drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatment and new methods such as gene therapy. The impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment is also being studied with emphasis on quality of life and comfort issues that effect patients and families.

 

What are the risks of participating in a clinical trial?

 

Risks and side-effects exist with every cancer treatment whether it is considered the standard of care or a clinical trial. Many safeguards are in place to protect the patient. New treatments are carefully studied in the laboratory before they are incorporated in a new treatment option. To further safeguard a patient, all clinical trials must be approved by an organization that sponsors the study such as the National Cancer Institute and an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The board consists of a cross-section of individuals including health care professionals from different specialties, ethicists, administrators, and community representative who review the science, ethical and legal implication of the study. The board is required to ensure the protection of rights and welfare of the patients enrolled in a clinical trial. The IRB must approve and continue to monitor any and all changes that occur in the research study. Clinical trials patients are carefully monitored during and after treatment. Blood tests, x-rays, scans and doctor visits are all utilized to ensure patient safety and to determine if the treatment the effective.

 

 

Gwinnett Medical Center is a member of the Atlanta Regional Community Clinical Oncology program (ARCCOP), which offers a wide range of clinical research studies for the treatment and prevention of cancer. Visit their Web site at http://www.atlantaccop.org/.

 

For questions, call the Oncology Research Nurse at 678-312-2666.